Australia all-rounder Steven Smith said he was focused on anchoring the batting rather than scoring his maiden century during his team’s win over Pakistan in the first one-day international on Tuesday.
Smith, 25, hit a solid 118-ball 101 to guide Australia to 255-8 in Sharjah before Pakistan were bundled out for 162 in 36.3 overs for a convincing 93-run win in the first of a three-match series.
Smith, who had never even hit a half-century in his previous 38 ODIs, said he wanted to stay at the crease as long as possible.
“I wasn’t all that bothered by that (chasing a maiden century),” said Smith after his effort which earned him man-of-the-match award.
“For me it was just about batting for as long as I could and making a big score,” said the 25-year-old, who came to the wicket when Aaron Finch was dismissed off the first ball of the match.
“I’ve always said I like batting at number three and I want to take my opportunities there. Hopefully there’s a few more big scores in this series.”
Smith said Sharjah’s sultry weather was challenging.
“It was very hot. I don’t think I’ve changed my gloves that many times in my whole career. It was quite remarkable.”
Smith added 86 for the second wicket with David Warner (43) to steady the innings after Pakistan’s towering paceman Mohammad Irfan struck early.
Smith admitted facing Irfan, the tallest-ever cricketer at 7 feet 1 inch (2.16 metres), was a challenge.
“He comes from over the sightscreen so it’s quite tough. They bowled well in patches. It was skidding on a bit. It was quite tough to score.”
The second ODI will be played in Dubai on Friday and the third in Abu Dhabi on Sunday, followed by a two-Test series.